I. ˈfərməmənt, ˈfə̄m-, ˈfəim- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin firmamentum vault of the sky (translation of Greek stereōma, literally, solid body, foundation, translation of Hebrew rāqīa' ), from Latin, strengthening, support, from firmare to make firm + -mentum -ment — more at firm
1. : the vault or arch of the sky : heavens
2. in ancient astronomy : the orb of the fixed stars : the 8th and outermost celestial sphere ; sometimes : any of the crystalline heavens
the first firmament or primum mobile
3. obsolete : fixed foundation : established basis
II. noun
: the field or sphere of an interest or activity
the international fashion firmament